A structured training curriculum for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy: a Delphi consensus study
Recommended Citation
Moghaddam FS, Ghoreifi A, Sayyid RK, Wu Z, Abdollah F, Antonelli A, Eun DD, Guo S, Hung AJ, Ma L, Margulis V, Matin SF, Mehrazin R, Porter J, Potretzke A, Pradere B, Roupret M, Seisen T, Shariat SF, Simone G, Stein RJ, Wang L, Wu J, Xylinas E, Yao L, Zargar H, Autorino R, Cacciamani GE, and Djaladat H. A structured training curriculum for robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy: a Delphi consensus study. BJU Int 2025.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-17-2025
Publication Title
BJU international
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To develop an internationally validated, structured robot-assisted radical nephroureterectomy (RARNU) training programme through expert consensus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A RARNU-specific questionnaire was developed/adapted from previously published, validated questionnaires for robot-assisted urological procedures. This included five key domains and 11 surgical steps. In all, 30 upper tract urothelial carcinoma experts were invited to participate. A two-stage modified Delphi approach was employed. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement. Modifications and additional statements were proposed during the second round following qualitative/quantitative feedback from the initial round.
RESULTS: Response rates for the first and second Delphi rounds were 80% (24/30) and 92% (22/24), respectively. All agreed that adoption of a standardised training curriculum can improve clinical outcomes during the RARNU learning curve. There was ≥ 92% agreement on all proposed RARNU steps. Five RARNU clinical modules of increasing complexity were defined using individual step difficulty and number of prior RARNU cases required, with ≥ 96% agreement among respondents. Respondents unanimously agreed that the final assessment should be based on a procedure-specific scale focusing on the hilar dissection, ureteric dissection, and bladder cuff excision steps. No consensus was reached for the annual minimum RARNU volume required for eligibility as a RARNU curriculum host centre.
CONCLUSION: This is the first structured training curriculum for RARNU using international expert consensus. This will help guide surgical educators and trainees toward independent completion of a full RARNU.
Medical Subject Headings
consensus; education; nephroureterectomy; programme; robotics
PubMed ID
40960222
ePublication
ePub ahead of print
